Health chiefs have upheld a string of complaints about the treatment of an OAP at a care home.

Marion Rayment (pictured) alerted the Commission for Social Care Inspection after becoming worried by the condition of her mum, Edith, who was a resident at St Aidan Lodge in Framwellgate Moor, near Durham City.

An investigation by the organisation upheld all the complaints and ordered the home to improve its standards.

It found concerns surrounded the care given to Edith, 84, over a pressure sore, pain control, food and fluids, and being tipped back in her wheelchair by staff.

The home was also found to have inadequate care planning and recording procedures.

Marion has now consulted solicitors with a view to claiming compensation for her mum's treatment.

The 50-year-old, of Sidlaw Avenue, Chester-le-Street, said: "My mother was there for three years and I was unhappy with her treatment.

"My mum has Alzheimer's disease and finds it difficult to communicate, which means she needs a lot of care and attention.

"She began losing weight and was down to 37 kilos."

Edith had been cared for by her daughter for six years until she moved into St Aidan Lodge.

She was eventually moved to another home in Chester-le-Street in October and, following a medical examination, Edith was found to have a pressure sore on her leg.

Now benefiting from her new surroundings, she is putting weight on and is communicating more frequently with family and staff. Marion has spoken to Durham North MP Kevan Jones who contacted the Commission for Social Care Inspection, or CSCI, about her mother's time at the home.

He said: "I'm making representations to the organisation and will insist this home is regularly monitored."

The complaints centred around care planning and recording, maintenance of skin integrity, inadequate pain control, diet and fluid intake, and tipping Mrs Rayment back in her wheelchair.

A spokeswoman said: "The CSCI, supported by Durham County Council's Social Care and Health directorate, conducted a detailed investigation, as a result of a complaint, in October 2004.

"All of the complaints were substantiated. However, no abuse was identified. A number of requirements were made of the home as a result of the investigation.

"These included reviewing and changing the care planning process and training staff in these procedures, updating risk assessments, and improving record-keeping.

"CSCI inspectors and Durham County Council's Social Care and Health directorate have worked closely with the home to make sure new procedures were implemented promptly.

"The investigation has been concluded and all parties have been informed of the findings.

"An unannounced inspection at the home on two separate dates, February 16 and March 11, 2005, has revealed an improvement at the home. Inspectors were satisfied that progress has been made.

"As is usual with all CSCI announced and unannounced inspections, a report will be made public in due course."

Chris Pope, one of the owners of St Aidan, said: "The CSCI have carried out a detailed report and the home is satisfied with the findings of their investigation. We do not wish to comment any further."